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CoI recommendations can be implemented without suspending constitution- Ag Premier

- recommends enhanced cooperation mechanism or framework between governor & VI government
With the concern that the Virgin Islands would be making a retrograde step if its constitution is suspended and the United Kingdom (UK) imposes direct rule, Acting Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says the number of recommendations made in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report aimed at reforming and strengthening the systems of government in the VI could be made without a full UK takeover of governance. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- With the concern that the Virgin Islands would be making a retrograde step if its constitution is suspended and the United Kingdom (UK) imposes direct rule, Acting Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says the number of recommendations made in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report aimed at reforming and strengthening the systems of government in the VI could be made without a full UK takeover of governance.

“In My view this can be achieved without the partial or full suspension of the constitution, in which direct rule would apply,” Dr Wheatley said of the CoI recommendations in a press statement today, April 29, 2022.

Governor John J. Rankin, CMG revealed at a press conference this morning that the CoI’s main recommendation is that there be direct rule for an initial period of two years. This means dissolution of the House of Assembly and cessation of Ministerial Government. The Governor would then be in charge of the VI.

‘No need for direct rule’- Acting Premier

But, according to Hon Wheatley, good progress has been made by local government in strengthening the systems of government by passing bills and implementing legislation and other measures by working with the governor.

“There is much to do but the good working relationship between the governor and the ministers of Cabinet is at the heart of the BVI-UK modern partnership in which there can be closer cooperation to achieve the standard that we collectively desire.”

Dr Wheatley said he believes it is in the best interest of the Virgin Islands for an enhanced cooperation mechanism or framework between the governor and the government to swiftly implement recommendations under a very tight timetable, without resorting to direct rule.

“These arrangements can be extended every 12 months until satisfactory progress is made.

We have already had some very good examples of good cooperation of this kind, including the Recovery Development Agency and the Protocol for Effective Financial Management.”

VI ready to dialogue

The Acting Premier said he and other political colleagues still fully support the proposal for UK-VI talks on the findings and recommendations of the CoI Report, which the Governor previously announced, including the participation of the political parties represented in the House of Assembly, UK Ministers and the Governor himself.

“This format ensures the democratic representation of the people of the Virgin Islands in dialogue to the UK-BVI response to the Report.”

Further, Dr Wheatley said the goodwill between the VI and the UK should continue to be nurtured and not eroded by the removal of democratic governance which has been enjoyed in these islands since 1950 when the legislature was restored.

Dr Wheatley also said he has spoken with the Minister for Overseas Territories Hon Amanda A. Milling and Governor Rankin and looks forward to discussions on it next week.

44 Responses to “CoI recommendations can be implemented without suspending constitution- Ag Premier”

  • big show (29/04/2022, 15:14) Like (82) Dislike (16) Reply
    Partner, you have to go don't be begging us to come to support you now don't beg us to save your job now and you never care if we work or not good riddance you got served we don't want your service anymore
    • Rubber Duck (29/04/2022, 21:20) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is the guy In charge of the shambles that is our education system. Millions wasted and he can’t get proper schools rebuilt. God help us he should be in charge of the whole country. Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
    • malone (29/04/2022, 21:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Once the uk is coming to fix the road from fish bay to airport i welcome them.
  • .... (29/04/2022, 15:19) Like (27) Dislike (7) Reply
    big man go ask Fraser for help or some other thing cause up to know you can get this weed thing under control
    • l (30/04/2022, 02:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      its the govenor and the uk holding it back, the bill is ready and it only needs to be signed.
  • True (29/04/2022, 15:24) Like (8) Dislike (34) Reply
    But that's not what the colonizers want.
  • Not So Fast - We Read the Affidavit (29/04/2022, 15:35) Like (54) Dislike (4) Reply
    Not so fast Natalio.

    That part in the Affidavit where the DEA posed as cartel and told Fahie they’d recommend a successor for him so borders could remain open to trafficking ti which there was agreement.

    We trust none.

    • please (29/04/2022, 22:10) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      Many of you on these blogs need to mind your own business, and go look after your own nations corrupt leaders Affairs! That’s why many of you are here in the first place!
  • Really??? (29/04/2022, 15:52) Like (62) Dislike (7) Reply
    Honourable (?) SoWhatsGoingOn!?! - can't handle one district or any of his Ministries. Now he's a constitutional expert and can lead us out of the darkness? Go siddung - we done with all of you. Time for a new dawn.
  • Yeahhhhj (29/04/2022, 15:55) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    HEAD COACH, P AND BLACKA.
  • unfair (29/04/2022, 16:21) Like (67) Dislike (17) Reply
    THE VIP Administration has facilitated the torturing and exploitation of expatriates, they are taxing all out going money transfers, and treating their Caribbean brothers and sisters worse than animals, now that pressure is hitting them, and the UK is intervening, they want to talk nonsense!!! Yall have treated expatriates like animals, and expect the UK to applaud injustice and unfairness!!! THE VIP ADMINISTRATION MUST BE DISOLVED AND SUSPENDED to allow goodness and social cohension to manifest within the BVI
    • Unfair? (29/04/2022, 22:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Everyone employed are grown adults…if you cannot take the leadership leave the country and go home to your own leaders and see if they can take care of you. Obviously your home is much worse than our taxes or you would be there!
    • @unfair (30/04/2022, 06:13) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Can Virgin Islanders go to your Country and talk Piss about your Ruling Government and get a Free Pass?.Hell No! Because Issues that affects you are imposed the.VIP they must go. GO where? What you don't realize that if UK take over, you going have to get Visa to be here. So then you going CRY more cause you gots to GO!
  • CBH (29/04/2022, 16:30) Like (42) Dislike (4) Reply
    Now after the plane crashed you want to use the parachute? You knew something wasn't right. You should have resigned they say you are intelligent, for me you are not and from Africa you have nothing more than the name that you yourself have given yourself to imitate, I recommend that you put yourself in prayer
  • Zebedee (29/04/2022, 16:35) Like (11) Dislike (14) Reply
    Only 3 people to remain - Marlon, Shereen and Mitch
    • dude (29/04/2022, 20:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No you're missing that it was poor practices by both sides that led to the recommendations, the young blood must move fwd without the old now, on both sides
  • Shut up...O aim march with u all (29/04/2022, 16:40) Like (81) Dislike (1) Reply
    Shame on you all. U all are complicit to leadership failures, both NDP and VIP. U all sat and saw all the wrong and never had the courage or the God in u all to speak out. If you all did speak up and against wrong it wouldn't reach to this today..
  • justice (29/04/2022, 16:47) Like (74) Dislike (13) Reply
    The treatment of expatriates in this Country is beyond sickening! Justice must prevail!!
  • ... (29/04/2022, 16:52) Like (45) Dislike (3) Reply
    we want the UK to step in! taking advantage of the small people so the fat people can get fatter! risking peoples lives by allowing drugs to pass freely , endangering your own people! LET THE UK COME! just imagine we feeling relief for UK to step in .
  • black history (29/04/2022, 16:59) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    England is coming!
    • White Future (29/04/2022, 22:21) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      The UK will fall… its currency will drop, its people will cry out to a God they collectively deny, if they do not repent of the wicked evil within them! You all have been warned! Repent!!!
  • fromafar (29/04/2022, 17:58) Like (58) Dislike (52) Reply
    STEP IN TO DO WHAT? SINCE 1952 THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HELP THESE ISLANDS, YOU THINK THEY WILL NOW? THE PARTIES AND PEOPLE NEED TO BAND TOGETHER AND PREVENT THE SUSPENSION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND PUSH BACK ON ANY UK DIRECT RULE.
    • @fromafar (29/04/2022, 18:50) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
      People like you who are not living in the BVI should not comment. You have no idea what conditions have been and the treatment of people who dared speak up.
      We need a clear out. Some will be by the courts others by the Governor. Go now all that were in party with Fahie. You have failed us. Go Cline and your ilk, all who have been mailing their positions on the boards. GO! And don’t come back.
      • fromafar (30/04/2022, 13:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        YOU DON'T KNOW ME , MY FRIEND I CAN COMMENT IT'S MY COUNTRY I AM NOT PLEASE WITH A NUMBER OF THINGS BUT I REFUSE TO SIT BACK AND LET PEOPLE LIKE YOU DICTATE YOU SELFISH , GREEDY WISHES ON A COUNTRY THAT HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO YOU AND MANY OTHERS.
    • @fromafar (30/04/2022, 06:25) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are ignorant and obviously blinded. The UK came to our aid after Irma and we did not pay them a dime. During the pandemic we see free vaccinations. These are just recent examples. I suggest you continue to bury your head deep in the sands of time!
      • fromafar (30/04/2022, 14:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        has the place been rebuilt? what aid has the UK given loans that we cannot repay ? you should try walking on water you have lots of faith.
  • Idiot (29/04/2022, 19:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    One recommendation is to suspend the existing constitution…how you does think before you talk ?
  • vi (29/04/2022, 20:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Election time in the vi the acting premier think that’s his seat
  • Longlookya (29/04/2022, 20:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rule brittania, brittania rule the waves
  • Yep (29/04/2022, 21:20) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Agreed!! Hon Wheatley..
  • I feel your pain (29/04/2022, 22:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You said nothing about expacts not receiving a cent of the covid relief money so you were complicit in the injustice that was meted out to them sir.
    • @I feel your pain (30/04/2022, 14:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You are telling lies I am an expat and I received compensation for the days I did not work during Civid. I submited my application. Most of you who are rejoicing are bad minded and greedy but Do not think that when UK take over it s going to be a bed of roses fo any black parson. Any time I feel that I am not being treated fairly in the BVI I will go back to my country.
  • big show (30/04/2022, 00:44) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    my youth speak for yourself you cannot represent the people of the BVI you are a failure to the highest degree I'm ashamed to say you are a teacher because you act more like a student the people made a mistake by electing you and your entire team are a disgrace to the human race you guys don't have what it takes to represent us you guys are puppets you all sat down and allow that man to put us where we are today without opposing once and today you want to lead us boss go kick rocks fool
  • LOSER (30/04/2022, 03:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sowande shut up, do not embarrass any more. Be Gone.
  • The Real Judge (30/04/2022, 04:23) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    We should be a wiser people. You need to look at the bigger picture people. All of you have soo many things to say about Government take advantage of expatriates as if they don't have a choice. If things wasin't good around here most of you would have left. This same Government that you all now see as a failure has done more things for this country in two years that the last administration has done in eight years. They are the same one that took us through covid without having any experience on how to deal with it. You all could say what you want, however you can't erase the facts. Our leader has been entrapped by those who felt threaten by his idea of self determination. This has always been the way the colonialist and the KKK get rid of the strong black man. People this isin't something to rejoicing over, we must unite as a people and move forward that we are capable of governing ourselves. When I hear people saying we want England to take over, these people don't know their history. You are asking for your slave masters to come rule you again. Opposition leader, this your time to step in and make your true contribution by standing with the Government and manage our own affair. This is not time to jump through to the back door to be Premier, your time would come. BVIslanders please stand united in these serious times. What is the fear of people going all out to set you up? This happen all the time. Who do you see being arrested and going before ICC. Most time its people that look like me and you. Putin has invaded many countries, do you here of any arrest warrant for him? We have people that are intelligent and capable of running this country. Our ancestors have faught to get us where we are now and its no going backward, it must be forward in unity and good governance. I appealed to the opposition, stand up and help defend this country instead of looking for power. Shina stand with your people in the first district and see them through. Now is your turn to come on board and give your needed skills and time. This country is ours, not the Colonialist.
  • The reckoning (30/04/2022, 04:49) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Give it up Wheatley. Systemic criminality has been revealed in the past couple of days. And widespread corruption.

    Your best bet isn’t to continue fighting the British but to admit there are DEEP failings of government, don’t say you are praying for the premier (lose the prayers when you speak on the international media - it makes you seem foolish and naive) and agree to co-operate.
  • fromafar (30/04/2022, 06:15) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
    SO IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU THE EXPAT, YOU TELLING ME I HAVE NO COMMENT, WHAT AND WHO QUALIFIES YOU TO COME INTO SOME ONE'S COUNTRY AND DEMAND SUCH TREATMENT AND WALK OVER THE LOCALS LIKE THEY DON'T HAVE A SAY IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY. THIS MATTER SEEMS TO BE MORE ABOUT EXPAT VERSES LOCAL YOU DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT OUR PEOPLE DO YOU? YOU TAKE IT A PRIVILEDGE TO WORK BEHIND THE UK POLICIES TO RELEGADE THE LOCALS AND COUNTRY WHILE YOU FULFILL YOUR SELFISH GREED . DO YOU KNOW OUR HISTORY.? DO YOU KNOW WHERE WE CAME FROM, AND HOW WE GOT HERE, YOU REAPING WHERE YOU HAVE NOT SOWN . I SPEAK FOR MY FORE FATHERS WHO GOT US HERE , YOU ARE JUST LIKE THE THE DEPRESSOR , YOU ARE THE DEPRESSOR. YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE US CHOOSE BETWEEN YOU AND WHO YOU REPRESENT AND THE UK, YOU KNOW BETTER DO BETTER.
  • Precious (30/04/2022, 06:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I really believe the people should have a say in how they're governed going forward..you had your chance..you failed.
    • fromafar (30/04/2022, 13:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      SO YOU GIVE EVERYONE A FAILING GRADE ,YOU ARE SO UNFAIR, IT DOES NOT GIVE YOU OR THE UK THE RIGHT TO SHELVED OUR CONSTITUTION. IT IS REALLY CLEAR YOU ARE FOR UK RULE WEPAST THAT STAGE LONG AGO, READ MY LIPS WE DO NOT WANT IT. WE NEEDED THEM WHEN IT WAS A BIRD SANTUARY DIRT ROADS , NO ELECTRICTY WHERE WAS THE UK ? WE NEEDED THEM AFTER IRMA AND MARIA WHER WERE THEY? THEY WANTED US TO TAKE LOANS TO REBUILD . WE NEEDED THEM DURING THE PANDEMIC WHERE WERE THEY ? LOOK FRO 5 0R 6 YEARS I WAS TOLD TO SAY GOD SAVE THE QUEEN MADE TO WAIVE THE FLAG IN MY SHORT PANT WHITE SHIRT AND TIE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD , IWAS ANGRY THEN AND I STILL MAD AT HOW A MOTHER COUNTRY CA USE AND ABUSE PEOPLE. NO MORE
  • Common Sense (30/04/2022, 06:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sadly, if this gentleman really believes that, he is part of the problem. With everything that has come out of the COI, and, now the recent events in Miami, the BVI government in general is tainted. It would be naive to expect the BVI populous to have any further trust in the current governmental system regardless of what party an individual supports. Last but not least, it’s a rather self serving opinion from someone who should know better.
  • Interesting (30/04/2022, 06:59) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    We are getting distracted and letting what happened to Andrew Fahie guide our judgement, Fahie and the COI are 2 diffrent things. We are giving the UK exactly what they want .Have you ever heard of british diplomacy, have you evere heard the term divide and conquer? Fahie done gone let he go through his process and serve his time. Now is a time for us as a people to come together, regardless of political ties, I dont care if you're VIP, NDP, PPP, PU, I dont care if you born here or not once you live here you will be effected by the changes the UK want to implement. We have people here that can offer effective governance and council to move us out of the point of distress. Hon.Whetley keep the faith and stay your course but do it with the understanding that you can not accomplish getting this country back on track with out help you need to reach out across the political boarders and merge the minds of the past with the minds of the present ,we have the movers and the thinkers right here within your reach to help you in this critical time, call on them, no man is an Island you will need all the help you can get.I am praying for you Hon.Wheatley, Lord knows you will need it in a time like this.
  • okkkkkk (30/04/2022, 08:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Every one of your all need to step down. You fully well know your spouse is Maynard right hand woman
  • Suspend (30/04/2022, 08:48) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If Wheatley had any intention of complying with the COI, the first thing he should have done is call an emergency meeting of the House and suspended Fahie. Unfortunately Wheatley still running scared of Fahie
  • Politic (30/04/2022, 10:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ suspend.
    He can't because the Billie will burst. Tahoe will feel he throw him under the bus. But really and truly. What are they waiting for that's it for me Fahie, so just get rid of him. There is no coming in politics


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